acoustic guitar – Scottsdale Music Academy

How to Strip Down Songs for an Acoustic Set

SMA — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:30:00 +0000

If you have complex songs either written or recorded, then you may at some point have wondered if it would be possible to simplify them for an acoustic set. There are a variety of reasons to strip down and rework songs that can range from just sitting at home practicing, or playing a more low-key show to showcase your songs. Regardless of the reason, it is always good to have a grasp on the steps to take when simplifying songs. Here is how to strip down songs for an acoustic set.

WHAT QUALIFIES A SONG FOR AN ACOUSTIC REWORK?:

With this question in mind, deciding which of your songs to strip down and rework for an acoustic set is one of the most important things in this process. This is because not all songs may work for an acoustic version. Take some time to look through your catalog and decide whether or not you have some songs that are able to be stripped down. This way, you will have a place to start. Additionally, try to have an end product in mind as you begin to simplify the songs you have chosen.

BEGIN RECONSTRUCTING:

Now that you have some songs that you think are able to be stripped down for an acoustic set, it is time to begin the process. A great place to start for this step is to grab an acoustic guitar, or piano for that matter, and play through the songs. This will allow you to see which parts of the songs need to be reworked in order to fit the bill for an acoustic set. You might have to change the timing of chord changes or the phrasing of different melodies, but you will know it when you hear it.

FINE-TUNE THE NEW VERSIONS OF YOUR SONGS:

Lastly, before you are able to play an acoustic set, it is critical to fine-tune all of the changes you have made to your songs. Does it feel rushed? Do your songs still convey their original meaning? These are all things to consider before taking the stage. After all, these are your songs and you should be proud to play them.

Different Types of Acoustic Guitar Wood

SMA — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 00:15:58 +0000

When you are buying an acoustic guitar, one of the most important things to consider is the type of wood that is used in the construction of the guitar. The reason for this being is that the wood of an acoustic guitar is one of the main factors that affects tone. Having a better understanding of the wood of different acoustic guitars will greatly increase your knowledge of why certain guitars sound differently, which guitars are right for you and what guitars to purchase.

SPRUCE:

Spruce is one of the most popular types of wood that steel-string acoustic guitars are made of. One reason for this is that spruce is a good choice for all types of playing styles. In addition, spruce almost always delivers a dynamic sound that does a great job of cutting through any mix. This means that it is a great option for playing live and recording. Also, spruce is great for producing the high frequencies that emit from your acoustic guitar.

CEDAR:

Like spruce, cedar is another type of wood that is popular in acoustic guitars. However, one of the main differences between the two is that cedar tends to produce a much darker tone than that of spruce. While this may be a great choice for many players, one of the downsides is that cedar guitars usually lack in volume and projection. This type of wood is a go-to for players who usually prefer fingerpicking.

MAHOGANY:

Lastly, mahogany is a type of wood that is used in acoustic guitars, but it is not as popular as guitars built with spruce or cedar. There is nothing significantly good or bad about mahogany, as it is generally a decent choice. It produces a balanced tone with a really distinct mid-range. One thing to note about mahogany guitars is that the tops are usually left unpolished. While these are three of the most popular types of wood for acoustic guitars, your knowledge will grow as you continue to play and examine more and more acoustic guitars.

Ways to Amplify Your Acoustic Guitar

SMA — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:30:00 +0000

If you have a pickup in your acoustic guitar, then you may be wondering what is the best way to put that pickup to use for live shows, practice or something similar. There are a variety of ways to amplify your acoustic guitar and some ways work better for different situations and musicians. Finding the right way to amplify your acoustic guitar can greatly affect your sound. Here are some ways to amplify your acoustic guitar.

PA SYSTEM:

PA systems are one good choice for amplifying your guitar, although they are mainly found at live music venues. Usually consisting of a few inputs, monitor speakers, a mixing board and large outfacing speakers, PA systems allow you to plug in and play rather quickly. Another upside to playing through a PA system is the amount of volume that can be produced alongside very minimal feedback. One downside to playing through a PA system is there is not a lot of capability for customizing your sound.

AMPS:

Acoustic amps are a little less common than playing through a PA system, but they are also a very good option for amplifying your acoustic guitar. They are very portable and easy to use, while also offering the features to dial in and customize your sound as much as you want. They may not be as loud as PA systems, but most acoustic amps come with a DI output so they can be connected to external speakers.

MICROPHONES:

Lastly, microphones are another way to amplify your acoustic guitar, usually if you do not have a pickup. You may have seen this before with an artist that has a mic set up pointing right at the soundhole of their acoustic guitar. One great thing about using a microphone to amplify your acoustic guitar is that the natural sounds of your guitar can be captured in great detail. Overall, finding the best option to amplify your acoustic guitar that works for you can really add to the kind of sounds you want to produce.

Acoustic Guitar Options for Advanced Guitar players

SMA — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:30:00 +0000

As a guitar player, it is sometimes common that you upgrade your gear as your skill level continues to increase. There are some instruments out there that are great for beginners and getting to know the instrument, but there is also gear out there that can better suit different players’ needs. This is especially true for acoustic guitar players, as there are all sorts of acoustic guitars out there. Here are some great acoustic guitar options for intermediate to advanced players.

Martin Guitars:

While Martin guitars do have some price-friendly instruments, they tend to be on the more expensive side. These guitars are great if you are becoming a more advanced player and need more out of your instrument. The quality of sound that comes from Martin guitars is very well-balanced with great projection. This also makes them a good option for recording. A majority of Martin acoustic guitars also come with a built-in pickup as well.

Gibson Guitars:

Gibson acoustic guitars are also a decent option for intermediate to advanced players. Although Gibson acoustic guitars also have great projection, the tones they produce tend to be on the warmer side. The Gibson J-45 is a solid choice when it comes to Gibson acoustic guitars because it is a great all-around guitar with a fair price point. Overall, Gibson’s are a decent choice if you are in the market for a new acoustic.

Taylor Guitars:

Taylor acoustic guitars are one of the industry standards when it comes to acoustic guitars. Generally cheaper than Gibson and Martin acoustic guitars, Taylors are a perfect choice for players who are still developing their skills, but want an upgrade. Similar to Martin guitars, Taylor guitars usually come with built-in pickups, but produce a brighter sound. All of these companies produce great guitars, which may ultimately match your needs when you are in the market for a new instrument. Most importantly, it is crucial that you play as many guitars as possible and do your research to find what works for you.